Steve Lantz's beautifully restored and now Corvette-powered SeaBee

LAKEPORT – Seaplanes splashed in a bit early this year as part of an extended Taste of Lakeport event.

The planes visited downtown Lakeport over the weekend, besides taking to the sky and the lake.

If you missed it, don't worry – the main event is yet to come.

The 28^th annual Western States Seaplanes Festival will take place from Friday, Sept. 21 through Sunday, Sept. 23, also in downtown Lakeport.

Organizers have expanded this year's event to include a Friday night concert featuring local music legend, David Neft, and a festival of activities over the following days, including spectacular aerial displays.

Stay tuned to Lake County News for more on that event in the weeks ahead.

E-mail Harold LaBonte at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Walter Wester from Larkspur pilots his sleek Glassair float plane up the boat ramp next to the Skylark Motel. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

The most unique-looking plane of the day was the low-riding SeaWind piloted by Ron Boyles of San Rafael. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

Steve Lantz's SeaBee "The Tahoe Special" was admired by many. Captain Lantz flew in from Lake Tahoe and expects to return in September. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

Captain Ray Arceneaux flew his Cessna 185 in from the Gold Country. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

A future pilot takes the controls for the very first time. Photo by Harold LaBonte.

City workers mobilize to correct ramp problems due to lower-than-expected water levels. Photo by Harold LaBonte.